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Test ID LD Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD), Serum

Useful For

Investigation of a variety of diseases involving the heart, liver, muscle, kidney, lung, and blood

 

Monitoring changes in tumor burden after chemotherapy, although, lactate dehydrogenase elevations in patients with cancer are too erratic to be of use in the diagnosis of cancer

Testing Algorithm

See Laboratory Screening Tests for Suspected Multiple Myeloma in Special Instructions.

Method Name

Photometric Rate

Reporting Name

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD), S

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.

Additional Information: Patient's age is required.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Ambient (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  30 days
  Refrigerated  48 hours

Clinical Information

Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity is present in all cells of the body with highest concentrations in heart, liver, muscle, kidney, lung, and erythrocytes. Serum LD is elevated in a number of clinical conditions.

Reference Values

1-30 days: 135-750 U/L

31 days-11 months: 180-435 U/L

1-3 years: 160-370 U/L

4-6 years: 145-345 U/L

7-9 years: 143-290 U/L

10-12 years: 120-293 U/L

13-15 years: 110-283 U/L

16-17 years: 105-233 U/L

≥18 years: 122-222 U/L

Cautions

Red blood cells contain much more lactate dehydrogenase (LD) than serum. A hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable. LD activity is 1 of the most sensitive indicators of in vitro hemolysis. Causes can include transportation via pneumatic tube, vigorous mixing, or traumatic venipuncture.

 

While increases in serum LD also are seen following a myocardial infarction, the test has been replaced by the determination of troponin.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

83615

NY State Approved

Yes